Understanding urban poverty in two high-density suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

Urban communities are heterogeneous and averages mask inequities and deprivations among poor and rich urban communities. This article examines the situation of households residing in two low-income, high-density suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. The aim of the research was to contextualise urban poverty by looking at selected urban communities and vertically analysing the patterns and determinants of poverty. A household survey was administered to 1000 households and qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study found high levels of income poverty and also found differences in poverty experiences between the two suburbs. The major proximate determinants of poverty were large family size; low education level of the household head; lack of income from permanent employment; low cash transfers; and short length of residence in the suburb. Increasing household income consumption can be addressed through scaling-up industries, which would result in more quality employment.

KEYWORDS:

• Urban poverty
• total consumption and food poverty lines
• high-density suburbs
• Harare

Acknowledgements

This article draws on research undertaken by the authors during the Specialised Study on Urban Poverty in Highfield and Epworth High Density Suburbs, Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe, implemented by the Institute of Environmental Studies of the University of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with UNICEF, Zimbabwe Country Office and government Ministries, including the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. The authors would like to acknowledge the support from UNICEF, Zimbabwe Country Office.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by UNICEF, Zimbabwe Country Office [Contract number 43135128].